Medicinal Herbs To Grow In The Subtropics
If you are studying herbalism or interested in herbs, then you’ll probably find that a lot of the herbs we study actually come from the northern hemisphere and originate from cooler climates.
There are not a lot of resources currently available regarding which herbs we can grow in subtropical climates, so I hope to contribute to the information available for growers and herbal enthusiasts by sharing what herbs I have successfully grown in South East Queensland or herbs that I have heard others in my community growing successfully.
Medicinal Culinary Herbs You Can Grow In The Subtropics
Parsley - Petroselinum crispum
Parsley is a hardy biennial to perennial plant that grows to 30-60cm high and is only propagated by seed. Parsley grows well in sunny position, but will also do well in shade, particularly in hotter climates.
Parsley appreciates rich soils and ample water and will have lush thick growth if given compost or rotted manure. Picking outside parsley stems off the base will encourage new growth.
Parsley is a great companion plant for tomatoes, asparagus, beans, onions, chives, and roses. May inhibit the growth of cabbages and lettuce.
For better seed germination of parsley try placing the seeds in the fridge for 2-3 weeks before planting. After a cold chill, the seeds can then be covered with hot water and let soak for several hours. This method is called scarifying, whereby we soften the seed coat and remove the germination inhibitor. Do not sow too deep.
Benefits of Parsley:
Parsley as a plant is a symbol of great strength. Parsley is long regarded as having an affinity for the central nervous system, stomach and intestines and can help relieve indigestion.
Parsley is abundant in 3 main blood-building nutrients; iron, manganese and copper as well as being high in potassium. Eat it regularly to build healthy blood.
Basil (Sweet Basil) - Ocimum basilicum
Basil is an annual plant, growing to 1 meter tall. Basil's best propagation is by seed and by cuttings (best taken during spring and summer).
In tropical and subtropical climates, sweet basil may grow well during mild winters and can take a biennial habit.
Basil likes a sunny spot, and to be given ample water. Nipping out flower buds on basil will help encourage leaf growth.
Benefits of Basil:
Basil is used as a treatment for urinary and respiratory ailments. You can sip on the tea to calm the nerves and clear tension. Basil is valued as an adaptogen, helping increase the body’s natural resistance to stress and disease, and strengthen the immune system
Oregano - Origanium vulgare
Oregano is a very hardy perennial. Propagation of all species of oregano is by cuttings and root division, and can also be started from seed.
Plant oregano in a well-drained sunny position
Benefits of Oregano:
Oregano has an affinity for the immune system and gut. Oregano provides defence against viral and bacterial infections and has strong antimicrobial and antibacterial actions that ease colds, influenza, fevers, and upper respiratory tract infections.
The oil of oregano is commonly used to treat fungal infections topically and internally and can combat parasitic overgrowths and digestive yeast such as candida.
Oregano can also be used for sluggish menstruation, indigestion, peptic ulceration and digestive weakness.
Thyme - Thymus vulgaris
Thyme is a perennial small bush 30-40cm high with woody stems. Propagation of thyme is by seed, cutting, root division, or layering.
Grow thyme in a sunny position with well-drained soil and a neutral pH.
Benefits of Thyme:
Thyme has an affinity for the immune system and is helpful for upper respiratory congestion and inflammation such as bronchial asthma, nasal catarrh, coughs, colds, and influenza. It is great as a gargle or mouthwash for halitosis, tooth decay, oral thrush, sore throat, tonsilitis and gingivitis. Thyme can also help with digestive issues such as easing excessive burping, bloating, diarrhoea, colic and belly spasms. It can be used topically due to its strong disinfectant elements for acne, wounds, insect bites, stings, fungal overgrowth
Sage - Salvia officinalis
Sage is a perennial bush growing to 60-100cm tall. Propagation of sage is by the small black seeds, cuttings, root division or layering.
Sage requires loose, well-drained soil and full sun or afternoon shade positions. Sage prefers temperate climates but will grow in subtropics given good drainage and an alkaline situation
Sage dislikes excessively wet and humid conditions.
Benefits of Sage:
Sage is honoured as a herb to relieve indigestion, restore energy, revive failing memory, and slows the ageing process. It restores hair colour and stimulates the scalp to increase growth and strengthen weak hair. Sage is used for sore throats, tonsilitis or laryngitis as well as headaches and hot flushes. Sage is used externally for bites, stings, wounds, skin diseases, ulcers, and rheumatic joints.
Ginger - Zingiber officinale
Ginger is a perennial root growing to 1 metre high. Propagation of ginger is from pieces of root rhizome. Ginger requires warmth, humidity and rainfall during the growing season
Benefits of Ginger:
Ginger boosts metabolism and helps to increase the function of the circulatory, respiratory and immune system. Ginger helps relieve indigestion, stimulates the salivary glands
Turmeric - Curcuma longa
Turmeric is a perennial plant of the ginger family. Turmeric is propagated in spring from rhizomes.
Turmeric thrives in well-drained, humus-enriched, slightly acidic soils planted in full sun or part shade
Benefits of Turmeric:
Turmeric is traditionally a symbol of fertility and prosperity. Turmeric is a restorative for the hepatobiliary system. Turmeric helps to repair damage and clear congestion within the liver and helps boost the function of the gallbladder and liver. Turmeric stimulates detoxification pathways in the liver. Turmeric is useful for digestive conditions such as bellyache, low appetite, nausea and vomiting and is used commonly for reducing chronic inflammation
Non-culinary Medical Herbs You Can Grow In The Subtropics
Comfrey - Symphytum officinale
Comfrey is a perennial plant. Symphytum officinale and some of the other species may set seed, while Symphytum uplandicum x peregrinum is a sterile hybrid breed and does not set seed.
All species of comfrey can be propagated by root division.
The more leaves picked from the base of a comfrey plant, the more leaves will grow. Comfrey grows all year in subtropics.
Benefits of Comfrey:
Comfrey leaves or roots can be applied as a poultice, wash or ointment. Comfrey is used externally for bruising, sciatica, boils, rheumatism, neuralgia, varicose veins, bed sores, wounds, ulcers, insect bites, tumours, muscular pain, pulled tendons, gangrene, shingles and dermatological conditions.
Tulsi - Ocimum tenuiflorum
Tulsi has similar conditions to Sweet Basil as mentioned earlier on in this post.
Benefits of Tulsi:
Tulsi is an apoptogenic tonic herb and has the ability to balance stress hormones in the body. Tulsi is a tonic for the nervous system and is known to increase stamina and endurance and restore vitality from chronic exposure to stress. Tulsi helps to aid detoxification of the liver, balance blood sugar levels, provide cancer support, boost immunity and helps with digestion.
Aloe Vera - Aloe barbadensis
Aloe vera is a perennial with thick, very succulent 30-80cm long leaves. Propagation of aloe vera is by pups that develop around the base. Aloe vera prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
Benefits of Aloe Vera:
The mucilaginous inner gel of the aloe vera leaf can be applied to the skin to soothe and heal burns, cuts, rashes, abrasions, and reactive skin conditions such as psoriasis. Aloe vera eases irritation and inflammation. The aloe vera latex, which is the yellow lining inside the leaf, aids sluggish digestion, helpful for healing gastric ulcers and stimulating the bowel. Aloe vera is also used to balance insulin and cholesterol levels.
The information provided on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns or conditions you may have. Please see my full disclaimer here.
References
Shipard, I. (2013). How Can I Use Herbs In My Daily Life? David Stewart: Nambour, QLD.
Lovell Verinder, E. (2020). Plants for the people: A modern guide to plant medicine. Thames & Hudson.
